Formula 1® has announced the launch of a new F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix series, featuring several current F1 drivers, to enable fans to continue enjoying races despite the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
Virtual races will be run in place of every postponed Grand Prix, beginning with this weekend with the Virtual Bahrain Grand Prix on 22 March. From then on, there will be a Virtual Grand Prix for every postponed real-world Formula 1 race.
The initiative is scheduled to run until May, but will be extended if the COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis causes further Grand Prix postponements.
The races will feature both current F1 drivers and “a host of stars to be announced in due course.” Drivers will be racing remotely, with a host broadcast live from the Gfinity Esports Arena, or remotely if needed.
Racing will take place on the official F1 2019 PC video game from Codemasters, and the first Virtual Grand Prix on the Sakhir track be a 50% length race with 28 laps. The event will be broadcast on the official Formula 1 YouTube, Twitch and Facebook channels.
F1 says that game settings will be configured in a way to “encourage competitive and entertaining racing” taking into account the wide variety of gaming skill levels among drivers. It has been stressed that the virtual series is strictly for entertainment purposes only, with no official World Championship points available.
In addition to the Grand Prix races, during non-race weekends, Formula 1 will host online exhibition races giving fans the chance to go head-to-head with real F1 drivers.
Discussing the news Head of Digital Business Initiatives and Esports, Julian Tan, said:
“We are very pleased to be able to bring some light relief in the form of the F1 Esports Virtual GP, in these unpredictable times, as we hope to entertain fans missing the regular sporting action. With every major sports league in the world unable to compete, it is a great time to highlight the benefits of esports and the incredible skill that’s on show.”
While Chief Executive Officer at Codemasters, Frank Sagnier, added:
“We’re excited to be a part of the new F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix Series. With sporting events currently on hold around the world, it’s great that the official F1® video game can help fill the void by bringing together an exciting line-up of talent to race online during the postponed race weekends. It’s going to be competitive, action-packed, and a lot of fun for everyone involved.”
AYO.NEWS says:
F1 isn’t the only motorsports switching to virtual racing during the global COVID-19 crisis. Just yesterday we reported NASCAR had launched the iRacing Pro Invitational Series in the United States, while Supercars Championship has announced the Supercars Eseries in Australia.
AYO.NEWS says features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited.
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